Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Dry January’s untold value for older adults: a health revolution beyond youth

Michael Pessman
Conditions
February 20, 2024
Share
Tweet
Share

As Dry January gains popularity and inspires millions of people to abstain from alcohol for a month, its focus appears to be geared towards young adults. A demographic that is often overlooked, but is likely to benefit significantly from this movement, is older adults. The National Survey on Drug Use and Heavy Drinking found that nearly 39 percent of adults aged 65 or older drink between 1 to 2 drinks per day, while 16 perecent consume more than two drinks.

The Unseen Risks of Alcohol in Older Adults: Drinking alcohol is usually discussed about its impact on younger individuals, but older adults face several unique risks. We become more susceptible to the harmful effects of alcohol as we age because our bodies process alcohol less efficiently. It is also important to note that an estimated 80 percent of people 65 years of age and older have taken medication in the past year that may interact dangerously with alcohol. As a result, abstaining from alcohol, even for a month, can significantly reduce health risks.

Enhanced physical health benefits. Taking part in Dry January can have tangible health benefits for older adults. Taking a break from alcohol can lower blood pressure, improve liver function, and reduce the risk of alcohol-related diseases, which are particularly important as we age. Moreover, alcohol is a common cause of falls among older adults; abstaining from alcohol can therefore reduce this risk, thereby increasing a person’s sense of safety and independence.

Mental health and cognitive clarity. Older adults can also benefit from Dry January in terms of their mental health. It has been shown that alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which are becoming more prevalent as people age. Sobriety for a month can provide mental clarity, emotional stability, and a sense of wellbeing.

Aging also poses a significant threat to cognitive health. Although the relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and cognitive decline is still being explored, abstaining from alcohol for a month can certainly not harm and may even provide some protective benefits.

A social and community perspective. Social isolation is a common problem among older adults. It can provide a sense of community and purpose for individuals participating in Dry January, enabling them to feel part of a broader movement. A sense of belonging and new social connections can be fostered through this participation, which can counteract loneliness and isolation.

Lifestyle and habitual changes. The month of Dry January is a good time to reassess your relationship with alcohol and perhaps reset it. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults. As a result, healthier habits can be adopted and new, non-alcoholic ways to relax and socialize can be discovered, which can be beneficial in the long run.

The challenge of change in later life. For older adults, changing lifelong habits can be a challenge. Support systems, such as family, friends, and health care professionals, should understand and encourage the participant’s participation in Dry January. Support and resources tailored to older adults can make navigating these changes easier.

A call for inclusive messaging. To include older adults in Dry January, inclusive messaging is essential. Older adults should be explicitly addressed in campaigns, recognizing their unique needs and challenges. We must ensure the movement is not just for the young, but rather a universal initiative that promotes health and wellbeing for all.

To conclude, Dry January is an important opportunity for older adults – one that can result in substantial health benefits, improved sleep, enhanced wellbeing, and an increased sense of community. Now is the time for us to broaden our conversation and actively involve older generations in this movement. By doing so, we not only benefit them individually but also enrich our community, as we embrace a healthier start to the new year. Make Dry January a movement for all ages, celebrating sobriety as a choice that knows no age limits.

Michael Pessman is a gerontologist.

Prev

Reconnecting with nature and spirituality in psychiatry [PODCAST]

February 19, 2024 Kevin 0
…
Next

Are hospital CEOs overpaid? One lawyer's skeptical take on executive compensation.

February 20, 2024 Kevin 1
…

Tagged as: Geriatrics

Post navigation

< Previous Post
Reconnecting with nature and spirituality in psychiatry [PODCAST]
Next Post >
Are hospital CEOs overpaid? One lawyer's skeptical take on executive compensation.

ADVERTISEMENT

More by Michael Pessman

  • Solving the health care dilemma: Why older adults are skipping vital care

    Michael Pessman
  • Breaking down barriers: Illinois bill calls for cultural competency training for physicians to improve health care for LGBTQ+ community

    Michael Pessman
  • The forgotten crisis: a shortage of geriatric doctors in the U.S.

    Michael Pessman

Related Posts

  • Chronic health issues and homelessness

    Michele Luckenbaugh
  • Are negative news cycles and social media injurious to our health?

    Rabia Jalal, MD
  • How social media can help or hurt your health care career

    Health eCareers
  • Sharing mental health issues on social media

    Tarena Lofton
  • 3 ways to advance the credibility of online health information

    Robert Pearl, MD
  • Regulating social media’s effects on mental health

    Mohammed Umer Waris, MD

More in Conditions

  • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

    Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD
  • The emotional first responders of aesthetic medicine

    Sarah White, APRN
  • Why testosterone matters more than you think in women’s health

    Andrea Caamano, MD
  • How veteran health care is being transformed by tech and teamwork

    Deborah Lafer Scher
  • What Elon Musk and Diddy reveal about the price of power

    Osmund Agbo, MD
  • Understanding depression beyond biology: the power of therapy and meaning

    Maire Daugharty, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • Why doctors are reclaiming control from burnout culture

      Maureen Gibbons, MD | Physician
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • Why Medicaid cuts should alarm every doctor

      Ilan Shapiro, MD | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Decoding your medical bill: What those charges really mean

      Cheryl Spang | Finance
    • The emotional first responders of aesthetic medicine

      Sarah White, APRN | Conditions
    • Why testosterone matters more than you think in women’s health

      Andrea Caamano, MD | Conditions
    • A mind to guide the machine: Why physicians must help shape artificial intelligence in medicine

      Shanice Spence-Miller, MD | Tech
    • How subjective likability practices undermine Canada’s health workforce recruitment and retention

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Physician

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • Why doctors are reclaiming control from burnout culture

      Maureen Gibbons, MD | Physician
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • Why Medicaid cuts should alarm every doctor

      Ilan Shapiro, MD | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Decoding your medical bill: What those charges really mean

      Cheryl Spang | Finance
    • The emotional first responders of aesthetic medicine

      Sarah White, APRN | Conditions
    • Why testosterone matters more than you think in women’s health

      Andrea Caamano, MD | Conditions
    • A mind to guide the machine: Why physicians must help shape artificial intelligence in medicine

      Shanice Spence-Miller, MD | Tech
    • How subjective likability practices undermine Canada’s health workforce recruitment and retention

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Physician

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...